Mamady Doumbouya, the head of Guinea's junta, was elected president after securing 86.72% of the first-round vote, according to the country's election commission on Tuesday. The election took place over the weekend, with Doumbouya facing eight rivals.

Doumbouya's decision to run for president marked a reversal of his earlier pledge not to seek office. He had initially promised to transition the country back to civilian rule by the end of 2024 after seizing power in a 2021 coup that ousted Guinea's first freely elected president.

The main opposition leaders were barred from participating in the election and had called for a boycott. Their exclusion raised concerns about the fairness and legitimacy of the electoral process.

Doumbouya, 41, led the coup in 2021, citing concerns about corruption and poverty. Since then, his government has been accused of cracking down on civil liberties. The junta's actions have drawn criticism from international organizations and human rights groups.

The election commission's announcement indicated that Doumbouya surpassed the threshold required to avoid a runoff vote. The results are expected to be certified in the coming days. The international community is closely watching the situation in Guinea, with many hoping for a swift return to civilian rule and respect for democratic principles.